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| Addo Elephant National Park |
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Addo Elephant National Park is hidden within
the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape.
It is one of the most popular and visited parks in the country and a truly unique South
African gem.
Originally, the Khoesan of the Iqua, Damasqua and Gonaqua clans lived in the area many
centuries ago. Great herds of wild animals roamed the Addo region. These clans hunted and
kept cattle but tragically were largely wiped out in the 1700s by the smallpox epidemic.
In 1931, The Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the remaining
11 Addo elephants. The great herds of elephants and other animal species had been all but
annihilated over the 1700s and 1800s by hunters. In the late 1800s, farmers began to
colonise the area around the park, also taking their toll on the elephant population due
to competition for water and crops. |
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Today, however, things have vastly changed
and improved. This finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape
buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, lions, warthogs, as well as the
unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
When the sun subsides, the sounds of the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the
francolin's call can be heard. Here one can experience unrivalled natural diversity, with
five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes). In addition, one can have
the spectacular opportunity to witness the Big 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard,
whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitat.
The Addo Elephant National Park not only boasts a rich abundance in wildlife but also a
rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites as well as a wide variety of
accommodation and activity options.
There is a fantastic restaurant offering a wide variety of delicious South African meals.
The accommodation here is fantastic ranging from camp sites to gorgeous rondavels and
forest cabins or luxury game lodges. For a list of options please see: Accommodation
in Addo Elephant Park.
There is plenty to experience and do here. Fun activities include game viewing on one of
their different game drives, horse riding, bird watching, hiking as well as thrilling 4x4
trails. Plans to expand the 164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha
mega-park are underway. This expansion is transforming Addo into the ultimate tourism
destination.
Whether for a day trip or planning to stay, The Addo Elephant National Park is a must for
all to experience. It is absolutely exquisite and unique. |
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For additional information
please see Addo Elephant Park |
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GREATER ADDO Accommodation:
• Addo
Accommodation • Addo Elephant Park
Accommodation
• Colchester Accommodation
• Kirkwood
Accommodation
• Nanaga
Accommodation • Paterson Accommodation
• Somerset East
Accommodation • Zuurberg Accommodation
• View ALL » Accommodation in Greater
Addo |
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 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE: Eastern Cape Accommodation by
Town: |
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